Mackay Cup win stripped

THE winner of this year’s Rock ‘N’ Road Bitumen Mackay Cup has been sensationally stripped of the victory.

Hussonator, trained by Sunshine Coast-based Darryl Hansen, was yesterday disqualified from the race.

Hansen was informed by stewards on July 18 that an irregularity had been reported in a pre-race blood sample taken from Hussonator prior to it winning the July 9 Cup.

Hansen was found guilty after a marathon four-hour inquiry yesterday.

Racing Queensland Limited’s chief steward Wade Birch issued a statement to the Daily Mercury just minutes after the inquiry was adjourned.

“Darryl Hansen was found guilty of presenting Hussonator to race when a pre-race blood sample upon analysis was found to contain a prohibited substance, namely total carbon dioxide, at a level in excess of the threshold as set out under the Australian rules of penalty,” he said.

“The horse was disqualified and we have adjourned to enable Mr Hansen to make submissions in regard to any penalty that may be applied.

“We have asked for his submissions by midday Monday (August 8) and will reconvene to determine an appropriate penalty.”

Birch said an extensive amount of evidence was presented during the inquiry.

Hansen pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In an interview with the Daily Mercury on July 19, Hansen was confident he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

“It is very disturbing to me that this has happened,” he said at the time.

“By next week my name will be cleared. I am pretty confident all will be cleared by next week.”

Under amended placings, the victory will now be credited to Shooting Scene.

Old Mates Act will move into second, Captain Biggles will be elevated to third and Paris Boy will now take fourth.